What is Beclomethasone Inhalation: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects and More

Beclomethasone inhalation is a corticosteroid medication that you breathe directly into your lungs to reduce inflammation and prevent asthma attacks. Think of it as a gentle, targeted anti-inflammatory treatment that works right where you need it most - in your airways. This inhaled medication helps millions of people breathe easier by calming the swelling and irritation that makes asthma symptoms worse.

What is Beclomethasone Inhalation?

Beclomethasone inhalation is a synthetic corticosteroid that mimics cortisol, a natural hormone your body produces to fight inflammation. When you inhale this medication, it goes directly to your lungs and airways instead of traveling through your entire body first.

This targeted delivery system makes beclomethasone much safer than oral steroids while still providing powerful anti-inflammatory effects. The medication comes in two main forms: a metered-dose inhaler (MDI) that releases a measured puff of medicine, and a dry powder inhaler that delivers the medication when you breathe in deeply.

Unlike rescue inhalers that provide quick relief during an asthma attack, beclomethasone is a controller medication. This means you take it regularly, even when you feel fine, to prevent symptoms from developing in the first place.

What is Beclomethasone Inhalation Used For?

Beclomethasone inhalation primarily treats asthma by preventing the inflammation that leads to breathing difficulties. Your doctor might prescribe it if you have persistent asthma that requires daily management, not just occasional relief.

The medication works particularly well for people whose asthma symptoms occur several times a week or wake them up at night. It's also helpful if you find yourself reaching for your rescue inhaler more than twice a week, which often signals that your asthma needs better long-term control.

In some cases, doctors prescribe beclomethasone for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) to reduce airway inflammation. However, this use is less common and typically reserved for specific situations where inflammation plays a major role in breathing problems.

How Does Beclomethasone Inhalation Work?

Beclomethasone works by reducing inflammation in your airways, much like how anti-inflammatory medication reduces swelling in a sprained ankle. When you have asthma, your airways become swollen, produce extra mucus, and become overly sensitive to triggers like pollen or cold air.

This medication blocks the production of substances that cause inflammation, helping your airways stay calm and open. It's considered a moderately strong corticosteroid - more powerful than some inhaled steroids but gentler than others, making it suitable for many people with mild to moderate asthma.

The effects build up gradually over time, which is why you won't feel immediate relief like you would with a rescue inhaler. Most people notice improvements in their breathing within a few days to two weeks of regular use.

How Should I Take Beclomethasone Inhalation?

Take beclomethasone exactly as your doctor prescribes, typically twice daily - once in the morning and once in the evening. The timing matters less than consistency, so try to take it at roughly the same times each day to maintain steady levels in your system.

You can take this medication with or without food, though some people find it easier to remember when they pair it with meals. If you're using a metered-dose inhaler, shake it well before each use and wait at least one minute between puffs if your doctor prescribes multiple puffs.

Here's what makes your doses more effective: Always rinse your mouth with water and spit it out after using your inhaler. This simple step prevents the medication from staying in your mouth and throat, which can lead to oral thrush or voice changes.

For the dry powder inhaler, breathe in quickly and deeply to ensure the medication reaches your lungs properly. Don't exhale into the device, as this can affect the next dose.

How Long Should I Take Beclomethasone Inhalation For?

Most people with asthma need to take beclomethasone inhalation for months or years to maintain good control of their symptoms. This isn't a short-term treatment - it's a long-term strategy to keep your airways healthy and prevent asthma attacks.

Your doctor will likely want to see you every few months to assess how well the medication is working. If your asthma stays well-controlled for several months, they might consider reducing your dose or exploring other options, but this should always be done under medical supervision.

Never stop taking beclomethasone suddenly, even if you feel much better. Your airways need time to adjust, and stopping abruptly can lead to a return of symptoms or even an asthma flare-up.

What Are the Side Effects of Beclomethasone Inhalation?

Most people tolerate beclomethasone inhalation well, but like all medications, it can cause side effects. The good news is that because you're inhaling the medication directly into your lungs, you're less likely to experience the serious side effects associated with oral steroids.

Common side effects that affect your mouth and throat include:

• Oral thrush (a fungal infection that causes white patches in your mouth)
• Hoarseness or voice changes
• Dry mouth or throat irritation
• Coughing immediately after using the inhaler

These local side effects are usually mild and can often be prevented by rinsing your mouth after each use and using proper inhaler technique.

Less common but more concerning side effects include:

• Signs of reduced immune function, such as frequent infections
• Slowed growth in children (with long-term use)
• Bone thinning (osteoporosis) with prolonged high-dose use
• Eye problems like cataracts or glaucoma (rare, usually with long-term use)
• Adrenal suppression (your body producing less natural cortisol)

These more serious effects are uncommon, especially at typical prescribed doses, but your doctor will monitor you regularly to catch any issues early.

Rare but serious allergic reactions can occur, though they're extremely uncommon. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience severe difficulty breathing, swelling of your face or throat, or widespread rash after using the inhaler.

Who Should Not Take Beclomethasone Inhalation?

Beclomethasone inhalation isn't suitable for everyone, though the list of people who cannot take it is relatively short. Your doctor will carefully consider your medical history before prescribing this medication.

You should not use beclomethasone if you're allergic to it or any of its ingredients. Signs of allergy might include rash, itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing after previous use of corticosteroid medications.

People with certain conditions need special monitoring or may need to avoid this medication entirely:

• Active tuberculosis or other serious lung infections
• Severe liver disease (your body may not process the medication properly)
• Recent exposure to chickenpox or measles if you're not immune
• Certain fungal infections of the lungs

Pregnancy and breastfeeding require careful consideration, though beclomethasone is generally considered safer than uncontrolled asthma. Your doctor will weigh the benefits against any potential risks for both you and your baby.

Children can usually take beclomethasone safely, but they need regular monitoring for growth and development, especially with long-term use.

Beclomethasone Inhalation Brand Names

Beclomethasone inhalation is available under several brand names, with QVAR and QVAR RediHaler being the most common in the United States. These brand names refer to the same active ingredient but may have different inhaler devices or slightly different formulations.

QVAR uses a metered-dose inhaler with a built-in counter to help you track remaining doses. QVAR RediHaler is a breath-actuated inhaler that releases medication when you breathe in, making it easier for some people to coordinate their breathing with the medication release.

Generic versions of beclomethasone inhalation are also available and work just as effectively as brand-name versions. Your pharmacist can help you understand which version you're receiving and how to use it properly.

Beclomethasone Inhalation Alternatives

Several other inhaled corticosteroids work similarly to beclomethasone and might be better suited to your specific needs. Your doctor might consider these alternatives if beclomethasone doesn't control your asthma well enough or if you experience bothersome side effects.

Fluticasone (brand names Flovent, ArmonAir) is slightly more potent than beclomethasone and comes in different inhaler types. Some people find it more effective for severe asthma, while others prefer beclomethasone for its gentler effects.

Budesonide (brand name Pulmicort) is another option that's particularly well-studied in children and pregnant women. It has a similar safety profile to beclomethasone but may work better for some people's specific asthma patterns.

For people with more severe asthma, combination inhalers that contain both an inhaled corticosteroid and a long-acting bronchodilator might be more appropriate. These combination treatments, like fluticasone/salmeterol (Advair) or budesonide/formoterol (Symbicort), provide both anti-inflammatory and bronchodilating effects.

Is Beclomethasone Inhalation Better Than Fluticasone?

Both beclomethasone and fluticasone are effective inhaled corticosteroids, but neither is universally "better" than the other. The choice between them depends on your individual response, the severity of your asthma, and your personal preferences regarding inhaler devices.

Fluticasone is generally considered more potent, meaning you might need a lower dose to achieve the same anti-inflammatory effect. This can be advantageous for people with more severe asthma or those who need stronger inflammation control.

Beclomethasone, on the other hand, has been used safely for decades and may cause fewer local side effects like throat irritation in some people. It's also available in more inhaler types, giving you more options for finding a device that works well for you.

Your doctor will consider factors like your asthma severity, previous medication responses, and any side effects you've experienced when choosing between these medications. Many people do well with either option, and the most important factor is finding the medication and inhaler combination that you'll use consistently.